We recently connected with Lizabeth Murphy and have shared our conversation below.
Lizabeth, sincerely appreciate your selflessness in agreeing to discuss your mental health journey and how you overcame and persisted despite the challenges. Please share with our readers how you overcame. For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
My journey through the challenges related to mental health has been transformative, shaping both my personal and professional growth. A pivotal moment in this journey occurred when I made the difficult decision to step down from my role as Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chief People Officer (CPO) at my company that I built and ran for 10 years, This decision was prompted by the realization that my mental health was at risk after an arduous eight-year legal battle with business partners.
Stepping down from a position I held with passion and dedication caused a profound shift in my identity. The weight of burnout and the toll of prioritizing others over myself had led to a severe case of depression. It was a challenging period where I felt lost and disconnected from my purpose. However, in the midst of this struggle, I discovered an unexpected source of healing—walking.
Walking became a therapeutic practice, a daily commitment to cover distances ranging from 5 to 10 miles. These walks were not just a physical exercise; they became a metaphorical journey towards self-discovery and healing. The rhythmic motion of putting one foot in front of the other mirrored the incremental steps I took towards regaining my mental well-being.
As I walked, I reflected on the challenges I had faced, the toll they took on me, and the importance of prioritizing my mental health. The solitude of those walks allowed for introspection and a deep dive into understanding the root causes of burnout. It became a form of meditation, a space to confront the darkness within and work towards emerging into the light.
This period of walking not only helped me overcome the challenges related to mental health but also taught me the essential skill of balance. It was a gradual process of learning to prioritize self-care, set boundaries, and acknowledge the significance of mental well-being in sustaining effective leadership. The commitment to daily walks symbolized a commitment to my own journey of recovery and resilience.
Becoming a suicide survivor added another layer to this transformative experience. It was a stark reminder of the fragility of mental health and the importance of cultivating a resilient mindset. The journey back from the brink of despair was not only about healing but also about rediscovering my own strength and purpose.
This profound experience has significantly shaped my leadership style. It instilled in me a deep sense of empathy and understanding for the mental health struggles that individuals may face. It also reinforced the importance of fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes the well-being of its members.
In my subsequent roles, this newfound balance and resilience have been integral to my leadership approach. Acknowledging and addressing mental health challenges is not just a professional responsibility but a personal commitment rooted in my own journey of overcoming adversity. My story is one of transformation, illustrating how challenges can be catalysts for personal and professional growth when met with resilience, self-care, and a commitment to positive change.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m thrilled to share my story and shed light on the unique journey that has shaped my approach to leadership and creativity. As a student with dyslexia, I encountered challenges that ignited my creative side and fundamentally altered the way I perceive projects and challenges.
My struggles with dyslexia were not impediments but catalysts for tapping into my artistic lens. I realized that my mind worked in a way that allowed me to see projects and challenges from a different perspective—one that embraced the unconventional and thrived on thinking outside the box. This creative approach became the driving force behind my ability to generate entrepreneurial ideas and outcomes that others might not initially perceive.
This artistic lens has been a motivating factor in my pursuit of a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership. The decision to delve into academia wasn’t merely about personal accomplishment but a deliberate choice to leverage my experiences and insights to support other startup founders. I believe in the power of creative thinking to navigate the complexities of leadership, especially in the ever-changing landscape of startups.
My passion lies in spreading the word about the boundless possibilities that arise from combining creativity with leadership. I thrive on the excitement and challenge that come with being a first-touch, high-touch contributor to new roles and projects. Startups, with their endless potential and constant evolution, are where I truly belong.
In my professional journey, I’ve embraced every opportunity to build and create. Whether it’s spearheading HR strategies, navigating legal battles, or contributing to metaverse tech startups, I approach each endeavor with a commitment to innovation and resilience. My story is one of overcoming challenges, harnessing creativity, and contributing to the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge have significantly shaped my path. First and foremost, adopting a human-centric approach has been transformative. Whether leading teams, navigating legal battles, or engaging in the startup landscape, prioritizing individuals and fostering a people-first culture has been paramount. To those embarking on their journeys, I advise cultivating empathy and understanding early on, recognizing the unique strengths each individual brings to the table.
Secondly, embracing my dyslexia and approaching challenges through a creative and artistic lens has been a driving force behind my success. This mindset has allowed me to generate unconventional ideas and outcomes, particularly in the dynamic realm of startups. For those in the early stages of their journey, I encourage fostering creativity, viewing challenges as opportunities for innovative solutions, and exploring unconventional ideas to fuel continuous learning and adaptation.
Lastly, shifting my perspective on learning disabilities from barriers to differences has been transformative. Recognizing these differences as unique strengths and leveraging them to my advantage has been key. To early journey seekers, I recommend reframing how challenges are perceived, viewing them as opportunities for growth and unique contributions. Learning disabilities are not roadblocks; they are different ways of approaching the world.
The impact of a human-centric approach, creative thinking through an artistic lens, and a positive mindset towards learning differences have been pivotal. Early in your journey, embracing these qualities, cultivating creativity, and seeing challenges as opportunities for growth and innovation can set a solid foundation for personal and professional success.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
The most instrumental force in helping me overcome challenges and develop essential skills, qualities, or knowledge needed for success has been none other than myself. The power of self-determination and resilience has been my guiding force. In the face of adversity and the frequent occurrence of “No,” I found the inner strength to work even harder. The drive to succeed, coupled with an unwavering determination, became my driving force. I recognized that the desire for success had to come from within, and I took ownership of my journey. The challenges I faced only fueled my motivation to push boundaries, learn, and grow. In essence, it was the self-imposed commitment to my goals that played the most pivotal role in overcoming obstacles and building the foundation for success.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.advisemenyc.com
- Instagram: curatedbylizabeth
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizabethmurphymalik/
- Twitter: curatedbylizz
